A step higher

~kayra's pov~

That night, I remained silent in Liam's presence, knowing that uttering a single word could jeopardize everything I had meticulously planned. I closed my eyes, surrendering to slumber, with dreams filled with promises and visions of a brighter future.

Perhaps it was the weight of my ambitions that stirred me awake at the break of dawn, long before the maids began their daily routines. The guards, still maintaining their watchful posts, would never suspect a thing. Rising from the bed, I noticed that Liam was absent. It had become a peculiar routine — every morning, I woke to an empty space beside me, as he was never there when the sun first peeked through the curtains or when the maids knocked on my door. But now was not the time for such contemplations; action was required.

With purpose in my step, I made my way to the kitchen. I retrieved two vibrant flowers, their petals bursting with colour, and squeezed their essence onto plates, spoons, and cups. I even rubbed the juice onto the ingredients for the meal they would be preparing. As I surveyed my handiwork, a giggle escaped my lips — success was within reach!

Hours later, Liam burst through the door, urgency etched across his face. He informed me that we needed to leave promptly; the Lorway representatives had already arrived. Curiosity gnawed at me about the nature of the deal at hand. Surely it was just the mundane exchange of goods, nothing too consequential. Right? Whatever could go wrong?

"Stay strong, Kyra!" I whispered to myself, determined not to falter now. Luther drove us to the designated meeting spot, a warehouse that echoed with the promise of hidden truths. Dressed in my dancing outfit, adorned with shimmering sequins that caught the light, I prepared for what lay ahead. Only five of the Lorway men were present, yet their demeanour radiated an aura far from ordinary business partners.

Before long, Luther excused himself to make a call, leaving Liam and me alone with the gang.

"Who's that beauty you got there?" the gang's leader boomed, a flicker of arrogance in his voice. It was clear he was the boss.

I swallowed hard as Liam pushed me forward. "Just some entertainment I brought along to liven up the negotiations," he replied, his tone as icy as his piercing gaze.

"Well… then do your trick," the boss chuckled, a smirk dancing on his lips.

Gathering every ounce of courage, I inhaled deeply and began to dance. The rhythm coursed through me, each movement an expression of my resolve. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the Lorway boss opening a briefcase, while Liam handed over his own in exchange.

When I noticed the drink in Liam's hand, my heart raced; this was my chance. I swayed my way toward him, my body moving fluidly, my heart pounding in sync with the music. Leaning in close, I allowed my finger—smeared with the flower's potent essence—to dip into his cup before stepping back, a triumphant smile creeping onto my face. At last, victory felt tantalizingly close.